This involves seven models with a TRUSENSE logo and/or "Amber = Fault" text - see images for reference. On May 6, 2021 and in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC),
Recall Details
The recalled units are Kidde Model Series 2040, 2050, 2060 and 2070 Smoke and Combination Smoke/Carbon Monoxide alarms. Only alarms with the TruSense logo or “AMBER=FAULT” printed on the front of the alarm are included in this recall. The model number is printed on the back of the alarm.
Humidity, dust particles or small insects in the smoke chamber can cause false alarms; this can be solved by vacuuming the mesh and drying the smoke alarm.
Q: How can I find out if my fire extinguisher is included in the recall? A: Please contact us at (855) 271-0773 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST Monday-Friday (excluding holidays), or between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. during the weekend to determine whether your extinguishers are affected.
If you feel your Product is defective in any way, do not tamper with, install, or use the Product. In many cases, the quickest way to exchange your Product is to return it to the original place of purchase. If you wish to submit a warranty claim to Kidde, please call our Customer Service Center at 1-800-880-6788.
Kidde recommends replacing your smoke alarms every5/ 10 years, and carbon monoxide alarms every 7/10 years. If you don't know how old your alarm is, look for the manufacturing date code on the back of the alarm(s) or simply replace them to avoid any danger.
To get a smoke alarm to stop chirping, press its hush/silencing button. Then, figure out what caused the false alarm, such as humidity, and fix the problem, like by moving it away from a bathroom.
Green and red LED lights that indicate normal operation and alarm status o Green Light: The green LED will flash every 30 seconds to indicate the unit is operating properly.
If a problem is detected the alarm will enter a fault mode. If this occurs the alarm will produce a single “chirp” approximately every 30 seconds and blink the Red LED 2-12 times. If this should occur call Kidde Customer service at 1-800-880-6788.
Walter Kidde Portable Equipment, Inc. et al. A class action lawsuit claims Kidde Safety Equipment and First Alert have “placed profits over people” by falsely advertising their ionization-only devices as “smoke alarms.” Walter Kidde Portable Equipment, Inc.
Dust, Dirt and Environmental Smoke
Dust and dirt that comes from activities like remodeling may set off your smoke alarms. To clean your smoke alarm, open it up carefully, and look inside for dust or dirt. Use a vacuum attachment or electronic aerosol cleaner to remove dust particles.
The specific process for resetting a Kidde smoke alarm may vary depending on the model, but here are the general steps that you can follow: First, locate the reset button on your Kidde smoke alarm. This is usually located on the front or side of the unit. Press and hold the reset button for at least 5-10 seconds.
Some smoke alarms have a processor that retains certain error conditions, such as a weak battery. The error condition should reset when the battery is replaced, but sometimes it doesn't and must be manually reset to clear the error.
Dust and debris can affect the alarm. As far as it is concerned, the spider web or speck of dust that is obscuring the sensor is a potential fire and therefore the alarm needs to be sounded. The easiest way to clean an alarm is to run a vacuum cleaner over the vent.
Kidde Alarms: If you look at the back of the alarm, you will see the name of the product and the model number in bold text below the logo. Firex Alarms: If you look at the back of the alarm, you will see where the text is split into two columns, with text on the left and text on the right.
Replace the batteries in all your alarms, and remember to test them weekly. Check the age of your smoke alarms. Kidde recommends replacing all smoke alarms - battery and hardwired - every 10 years. If your alarms are older or you don't know their age, you should replace them.
The red LED has four modes of operation: Standby Condition: The red LED will flash every 30-40 seconds to indicate that the smoke alarm is operating properly. Alarm Condition: When the alarm senses products of combustion and goes into alarm, the red LED will flash one flash per second.
Why did my fire alarm randomly go off in the middle of the night? This is likely due to one of the common causes like low battery, dirt buildup, humidity, or insects interfering with the sensor. Test the alarm and clean it thoroughly to try and resolve the issue. Make sure batteries are fresh and secure.
Three long beeps repeating every 1.5 seconds indicates a fire hazard. Four quick beeps repeating every 5 seconds indicates the presence of carbon monoxide.
For some units, a green light flashing every 5 seconds signifies that the device is in “battery only” mode, powered by AC. When the detector senses a smoke or carbon monoxide hazard, the green light might become steady, whereas in “hush” mode, it may flash every 2 seconds.
To find the initiating unit, look for one that is flashing RED or GREEN at least once every second while in alarm mode, then follow the reset procedure on that unit. If the alarm stopped on its own before you could find that flashing light, the initiating unit will flash for 1.5 seconds every 10 seconds.
The battery may need to be replaced. An alarm will chirp every 30 to 60 seconds for a minimum of seven days. With a "low battery" announcement, disconnect the unit and replace the batteries. You can also put a unit into low battery hush for up to 12 hours on newer units by pressing the test/hush button.
Sometimes, smoke detectors will keep going off for no reason when they have reached the end of their life span. Fire alarms have a lifespan of about 10 years, after which they will need to be replaced. Smart smoke detectors can help eliminate some of the annoyances related to false alarms.
Green Light: The green LED will be lit continuously or flash every 30 seconds to indicate the unit is operating properly. In Hush® mode the LED blinks every 2 seconds and once per second if it is the initiating alarm.
Break through label with a screwdriver. Turn the screw to the “OFF” location. This will deactivate the alarm, stop the low battery chirp and render the alarm safe for disposal by draining the battery. NOTE: Turning off the alarm is permanent.